A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Germany
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Germany: What You Need to Know
When organising your film shoot in Germany, the first port of call is to get filming permits from the relevant municipality of the city. After that, filming in or in front of famous heritage sites and national monuments, such as the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, will need further filming consent from the district authority or private entity in charge. You’ll need to get your permit application in at least three months in advance of filming, and be prepared to pay a large fee if the permit is accepted.
If your team is relatively small, with no more than five members with handheld equipment, then it’s possible all you’ll need is a prior declaration of filming, including a small fee, submitted at least 10 days before the shoot.
Timing Your German Film Production around the Weather
Germany boasts four separate seasons, but they’re not all equal in length! For example, locals might enjoy a few weeks of spring and autumn in Berlin, but the summer here is generally only 6-8 weeks long, while winter snow can last as long as November to March! This is all to say that it’s worthwhile checking out the local weather details wherever you’re filming.
If you’re hoping to snap some lasting sunshine and warmth, then the area of the South-East, particularly around Baden-Württemberg, is a good choice. The northern region around the Baltic Sea is wetter and colder, with milder summer temperatures and a bracing wind that can pop up at any time of the year.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
You won’t have difficulty organising top-quality professional-grade film equipment throughout Germany. The country has a globally-recognised film and TV industry, with major studios in Babelsberg in Potsdam, and in Cologne and Munich.
As a well-known film fixer in the country, we have good connections with film equipment rental firms across the country and will ensure you get the equipment you need at a really good rate.
Practically all German crews speak English, if not fluently, then certainly with proficiency. As knowing English is standard in Germany, you will generally not be charged hire rates for such crews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes, it is.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes. The country has its own national security strategy in place in case of high security alerts or major environmental or other catastrophes.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
Film crews of European origin do not need visas. Any non-EU film professional may need a visa. We recommend a Schengen Visa as this enables them to visit and stay in the country for up to three months.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
It’s not necessary, but a local company can be beneficial, particularly when it comes to sourcing permits.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Absolutely. Anyone flying drones in Germany must adhere to EU and EASA regulations, which assert the need for permits and operator registration. Also, there are certain areas, such as prisons and military bases, that drones cannot fly over. As a foreign drone operator, you can do an online test to be approved to fly your drone in Germany. However, we recommend the easier route of hiring a local pilot with all the required paperwork.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Yes, there is. Germany offers foreign productions tax relief of up to 30%, mainly through two main programmes: the German Federal Film Fund (DFFF) and the German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF).
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes, but this is a separate permit that can be obtained through the appropriate city or regional office in charge of parks.
Working with Fixer in Germany
We have worked with several of the world’s biggest brands and companies, providing services such as field production, location scouting, permit sourcing, crew hiring, kit management, translation services, and more.
Our clients include PUMA, Sky Arte, the BBC and Google, and now we are eager to work with you to help you create your wonderful, professional video project.